Flat or open water single-person rowing shell

ABSTRACT

A rowing shell for recreational and/or competitive use on flat or rough water. The shell includes a sealed and waterproof hull and attachments. The hull and attachments are sleek and streamlined in design, and are formed and contoured so as to minimize water and wind resistance. The hull includes a slightly upturned bow, a flat mounting surface on which a winged outrigger assembly is removably attached to provide support for oarlocks and a substantially flat deck in the vicinity of a rower&#39;s seating area. This allows water entering the craft to exit without impeding efficient operation. The winged outrigger assembly is mounted to the hull at the bow side of the rower&#39;s seating position. The forward portion of the outrigger assembly is tapered to blend with, and conform substantially to, the fore portion contours of the hull and consist of two arcuately shaped oar outrigger arms integrally formed with the body of the outrigger assembly.

BACKGROUND

Single-person rowing shells, propelled by a rower employing a pair ofoars known as sculls, are normally used for recreational or racingpurposes on relatively calm water. The use of these boats in locationswhere there are waves created either by weather or the wakes of passingboats is limited, as such conditions impede efficient operation, or inthe extreme, create the risk of filling with water and swamping.Traditional rowing shells have voids within their hollow hulls,including seating areas, or cockpits, that can trap water that may passover the bow, stern, or gunwales in rough conditions. Water that becomestrapped within the hull adds weight to the boat, impeding hydrodynamicperformance and adding drag. As a result, conditions that cause water toenter the seating area or other cavities within the hull of the boat arenormally considered to be outside of the limits within which these boatsare optimally employed. While some single-person rowing boats aredesigned to be used in rough, or open water, they are usually heavy, andlack the enhanced performance characteristics of flat-water craft. Someopen-water boats have self-bailing mechanisms to empty water thatbecomes trapped in the cockpit, however these mechanisms are frequentlyinefficient and cause hydrodynamic drag. Open water and some flat-watershells often have a dams known commonly as splash-boxes mounted on thedeck forward of the cockpit to prevent the entry of water over the bow,but these are not fully effective in preventing the intrusion of water,nor do they address the need to eject water once it has entered thecockpit or other voids in the hulls.

Furthermore, the deeply rounded hulls of traditional rowing shell hulls,coupled with their narrow beams, make them difficult to balance fromside to side even when they are used on calm water. Rough conditionsserve to increase the difficulty a rower has in balancing the boat,further impeding efficient operation and function when conditions becomerough.

In order for a rowing shell to be propelled, oarlocks that serve asfixed fulcrum points transferring the loads imparted on the oars to theshell must provided at points to either side of the rower, and remotefrom the hull. Structures that support the oarlocks designed for thispurpose and commonly termed outriggers, are most often constructed ofmetal tubing or fiber-reinforced composite members that are attached tothe sides of the boat, or more infrequently in the form of a wingmounted to the hull either in front of, or behind, the seating positionof the rower. While traditional means of constructing such riggersprovide sufficient structural support for the oarlocks, designs to datedo not utilize the outrigger to provide hydrodynamic stability whenpenetrating waves, do not specifically design the outrigger to allowsmall waves to pass over them with limited resistance, nor are theydesigned such that the surfaces of the outrigger are integral withstreamlined surfaces of the bow portion of the hull to maximizeaerodynamic and hydrodynamic efficiency. Rowing shells are normallylaunched from docks, or from beaches under calm conditions. If launchedfrom the beach in breaking waves or surf, the presence of outriggers toeither side of the boat makes entry impractical. Additionally, whenlaunching in the surf, the rower must stand to the side and slightlybehind the sliding seat in order to keep the bow of the point pointedperpendicular and into the waves prior to entering the craft. Outriggersmounted on the stern side of the sliding seat make stabilization in thismanner impossible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The proposed invention relates to a high performance rowing shell thatcan be effectively employed in the ocean or in other locations whererough water may be encountered. The proposed craft, entitled Surfboattm, is provided with streamlined winged oar outriggers and otherfeatures that enhance the boat's performance in rough water andpenetration through or passage over rough surf and waves.

The invention consists of sealed and waterproof hull fabricated by meansof a foam core and covered by composite fiber-reinforced plastic that iscontoured so as to minimize water and wind resistance, having a slightlyupturned bow, a flat mounting surface on which the winged outrigger isattached as well as a substantially flat deck in the vicinity of therower's seating area that allows water entering the craft to exitwithout impeding efficient operation. The foam core and waterproofconstruction provide structural integrity and floatation in the event ofcapsizing. In an alternative configuration, the hull is constructed bymeans of molded composite fiber-reinforced parts joined together to forma sealed hollow core.

A winged outrigger assembly similar in construction and materials to thehull is mounted to the hull of the invention forward of the rower toprovide support for the oarlocks. The forward portion of the outriggerassembly is tapered to blend with, and conform integrally to, the foreportion contours of the hull and consists of two arcuately shaped oaroutrigger arms integrally formed with the body of the outriggerassembly. Oarlocks are attached to the winged outrigger by means ofplates that fit into receiver boxes cast into the ends of the outriggerarms, thus providing adjustable points of fixity for the oarlocks. Theoutrigger is attached to the hull by an attachment means and is readilyremovable. Each outrigger arm is solid, planar and sleek in design andgradually tapers toward its free end. In an alternative embodiment, thestreamlined winged outrigger assembly may be integrally formed with thegunwales and hull of the rowing shell.

A flat recessed portion of the hull deck aft of the outrigger assemblyis provided to facilitate mounting of a sliding seat and track assemblyand to allow unrestricted passage and exit of water entering the seatingarea. Recessed in the surface of the deck are footwells contoured toconform to the shape of the rower's feet and minimize thus the retentionof water.

A footboard assembly that is mounted to the gunwales or rear deck of thehull that provides support for the rower's feet and is configured tominimize obstruction to water passing through the seating area. Thefootboard assembly is mounted to the hull and is adjustable upward,downward, fore and aft.

The keel line in the longitudinal direction, and the bottom in thelateral direction are substantially flat to provide stability. In inalternative configuration, a rounded bottom may be used to increasespeed for more advanced rowers or for a variety of purposes or waterconditions.

Prior Art

The following patents and other publications were noted during thecourse of a patent search:

PCT Publication No. WO 87/02638 O'Neill

PCT Publication No. WO 90/08062 Pohlus

Des. 392,934 Veverka

67,285 Fuzzard

U.S. Pat. No. 2,494,804 Gabriel

U.S. Pat. No. 3,611,461 Wurzburger

U.S. Pat. No. 3,898,950 Martin

U.S. Pat. No. 4,867,719 duPont

U.S. Pat. No. 4,889,509 Pohlus

U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,062 Veverka

U.S. Pat. No. 6,113,447 Roy et al

The patent to Roy et al U.S. Pat. No. 6,113,447 in FIG. 1, illustrates arow boat or other watercraft 20 having a pair of winged oar outriggers26, 28 that are integrally formed (see line 23 of column 4) with thehull 22 of the boat. These oar outriggers project upwardly and outwardlyfrom the sides of the hull and are generally planar, solid and somewhatarcuately shaped. This reference, however, does not show outriggerssimilar in configuration to the proposed surfboat outriggers and are notparticularly suited (nor are mentioned) for use on rough surface wateror in waves. Further, these winged oar outriggers are not removable fromthe hull nor are they attachable to preexisting boat hulls, shells orgunwales.

The PCT publications to O'Neill WO 87/02638 (see 24 in FIG. 1) andPohlus WO 90/08062 (see 5 in FIGS. 1-4), and the patents to WurzbergerU.S. Pat. No. 3,611,461 (see 26, 26′, and 26 in FIGS. 1 and 4) andPohlus U.S. Pat. No. 4,889,509 (see 1, 26 in FIG. 1), all disclose solidwinged planar oar outriggers for use in rowing shells or boats. In thePohlus PCT publication (further see FIG. 6), the outrigger wings 24 areremovably secured to the boat via bolt holes 46 provided in theoutrigger. In the Wurzberer '461 patent, a cockpit chell 24 may beassembled or fitted within a row boat hull 28, the cockpit shell beingprovided with the outrigger wings 26 that are integrally formed with thegunwales 68, 70 of the cockpit shell (particularly see solid outrigger26 in FIG. 4).

The patent to Martin U.S. Pat. No. 3,898,950, discloses a row boathaving removably attached oar outriggers per se.

The patents to Veverka Des. 392,934 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,062, bothdisclose aerodynamic crew shell fairings per se.

The remaining patents have been included as being of further possibleinterest in showing the general state of the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. Is an Overhead View of the proposed rowing shell according tothe invention and additionally provides a legend defining the directionof travel and key terms used in the detailed description;

FIG. 2. Is an Isometric View of the invention from the viewpoint of theStarboard Side, Aft of the lateral centerline.

FIG. 3. is an Elevation View of the invention from the viewpoint of theStarboard side.

FIG. 4. is an Elevation View of the invention from the viewpoint of thestern side.

FIG. 5. is a Cross Section along longitudinal line A-A as identified inFIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 6 from the viewpoint of the stern Side.

FIG. 6. is a Cross Section along lateral line B-B as identified in FIGS.1, 2, 4 and 5 from the viewpoint of the Starboard Side.

FIG. 7. is a Cut-Away Section showing details of the Hull, Cockpit andOutrigger assembly from the viewpoint of the Stern and Starboard Sides.

FIG. 8 is a Cut-Away Section illustrating details of the Hull, FootplateAssembly and Footwells from the viewpoint of the Stern and StarboardSides.

FIG. 9 is an Exploded Section illustrating the Outrigger Arm and OarlockAttachment Plate from the viewpoint of the Stern and Starboard Sides.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in FIG. 1, the boat according to the invention, in normaloperation, travels in the direction shown in the Legend, and consists ofcomponents described herein as lying in four quadrants of the horizontalplane defined by the intersection of longitudinal Cross Section A-A andlatitudinal Cross Section B-B. The quadrants are identified in theLegend as: Foreward, Port, Starboard, and Aft. Said boat includes a Hull1., constructed of foam covered by fiber reinforced composite plastic,to which are attached an Outrigger Assembly 2., similar in constructionto the Hull 1. and containing Oarlocks 4 a., 4 b., a Sliding Seat andTrack Assembly 3., a Footboard and Footstrap Assembly 5., the Footboardof which is constructed of fiber reinforced composite plastic, and thefootstrap of which is constructed of woven plastic fabric straps andcushioning foam, and a Stabilizing Fin 6., constructed of fiberreinforced composite plastic.

The Hull 1., includes Bow 1 a. and Foredeck 1. that together form thetop surface of the hull Foreward of the Outrigger Assembly 2. Saidsurface is formed such that is concave with respect to the verticallongitudinal plane, with the bow slightly upturned and the Aft portionof Foredeck 1 b. tangential to, and flush with, the uppermost surface ofthe Outrigger Assembly 2. at the point of their intersection. Saidconfiguration minimizes hydrodynamic resistance when penetrating waves,and facilitates rapid refloatation upon submersion.

Aft of the intersection between the Foredeck 1 b. and Outrigger Assembly2., the Hull 1. Is stepped lower in elevation with respect to the Aftportion of Foredeck 1 b. to receive the Outrigger Assembly 1. Theportion of the Hull 1. to which said Outrigger Assembly is attached isflat and horizontal, and falls in the same horizontal plane as the Portand Side Gunwales 1 i. and 1 h., respectively. The Hull Deck 1 e. iscentral between the Port and Side Gunwales 1 i. and 1 h., and is steppedlower in elevation with respect to the said Gunwales. Said Hull Deck 1e. is flat and horizontal Foreward of the Footboard and FootstrapAssembly 5. The Sliding Seat Assembly 3. Is adjustably attached to theHull Deck such that the position of Sliding Seat Tracks 3 a. and 3 b.are movable in the Foreward and Aft directions. Footwells 1 m. and 1 l.are recessed into the surface of the Hull Deck 1 e. and are shaped toconform generally with a negative volumetric impression of the heel,ankle and lower leg of the rower in order to minimize water retained insuch footwells during rowing. The Aft wall of the footwell is inclinedin the Aft direction to cause the foreward and Aft movements of therower's feet to flush intruding water from the Footwells during rowing.

Footboard Attachment Channels 1 k. and 1 j. are embedded into theGunwales 1 i. and 1 h. proximate to the Aft end of the Footwells 1 m.and 1 l.; said Footboard Attachment Channels providing the points ofcontact with, and structural attachment to, the Hull 1. for support ofthe Footboard and Footstrap Assembly 5. Clearance is providedsurrounding the Footboard and Footstrap Assembly to allow the freepassage of water passing through the area of the Hull Deck 1 e. andFootwells 1 m. and 1 l. The position of the Footboard and FootstrapAssembly 5. is adjustable in the Foreward and Aft directions. In analternative embodiment, the Footboard Mounting Channels are embedded inthe Rear Deck 1 n. directly Aft of, and behind, the Footwells 1 m. and 1l., providing adjustable structural attachment for the Footboard andFootstrap Assembly 5. in a manner similar to that described herein.

At the Aft end of Footwells 1 m. and 1 l., the Reardeck 1 n. and HullDeck 1 e. are tangent and coplanar. As the surfaces of Hull 1. taperfrom that point toward the Stern 1 o., the Reardeck 1 n. and Gunwales 1i and 1 h. gradually taper and slope in elevation to a point ofintersection at the uppermost point of Stern 1 o. The surfaces thatconnect the Gunwales 1 i and 1 h., Hull Deck 1 e., and Reardeck 1 n. aretapered and contoured to minimize hydrodynamic resistance.

A Stabilizing Fin 6. is adjustably and interchangeably attached to thebottom surface of Hull 1. by means of an Attachment Channel embedded inHull 1.

The streamlined winged Outrigger Assembly 2. is mounted to Hull 1. Aftof the Foredeck 1 b., providing support of Oarlocks 4 a. and 4 b., andenhancing aerodynamic and hydrodynamic performance and stability inpentrating through rough surf and waves. The Foreward portion of saidOutrigger Assembly 2. Is tapered so as to conform and blend with thevertical and horizontal surfaces of the Hull 1. and Foredeck 1 b.Outrigger Assembly 2. contains arcuately shaped Outrigger Arms 2 a. and2 b., each of which taper towards its free end, at which is attached anOarlock 4 a. and 4 b. In an alternative embodiment, the OutriggerAssembly 2. may be integrally formed with, and permanently attached to,the Hull 1.

The integrated nature of the design of the Deck portions of Hull 1., theOutrigger Assembly 2. and Footboard and Footstrap Assembly 5. providestreamlined, continuous and hydrodynamically efficient surfaces allowingwater passing over the bow to be efficiently channeled either to theSides of the foredeck or over the Outrigger Assembly 2. and through theseating area. The substantially flat Hull Deck 1 e. and Rear Deck 1 n.provide minimal water retention within the seating area, and allowefficient passage and ejection of water entering the seating area bygravitational sheet flow aided by the momentum of the boat when inmotion. Said integrated design of the uppermost portion of the Hull andattachments provides efficient operation of the invention in roughconditions.

FIG. 2 is an Isometric View of the invention with the point of viewlocated at the Starboard Side Aft of the centerline. In this view, theHull 1. is illustrated as a solid and waterproof structure, to which areattached the Outrigger Assembly 2., the Sliding Seat Assembly 3., theFootboard and Footstrap Assembly 5., and Stabilizing Fin 6. FIG. 2 alsoillustrates that the contours of the Foreward portion of the OutriggerAssembly 2., and Outrigger Arms 2 a. and 2 b. extend in a streamlinedfashion from the upper surfaces of the Foredeck 1 b. and side surfacesof the Foreward portion of Hull 1. Additionally, FIG. 2 illustrates theflat and planar configuration of the Hull Deck 1 e. and Reardeck 1 m.located between the Gunwales 1 i. and 1 h., interrupted only by theSliding Seat Assembly 3, recessed Footwells 1 l. and 1 m., and FootboardAssembly 5. Lastly, the Stabilizing Fin 6. is illustrated as projectingdownward from its point of attachment to the bottom of the Hull 1.

FIG. 3 is an Elevation View of the invention with the point of viewlocated at the Starboard Side. This view describes the Hull 1., andattached Outrigger Assembly 2., Footboard and Footstrap Assembly 5., andStabilizing Fin 6. Also illustrated in FIG. 3 are the lines of the HullBow 1 a. and Hull Stern 1 n. which are angular, having surfaces inclinedapproximately 45 from the horizontal. The curved upper surface of theForedeck 1 b is illustrated as being concave with respect to thevertical plane defined by longitudinal Cross Section B-B, the curvedupper surface of Outrigger Assembly 2. is convex with respect to thevertical plane defined by longitudinal Cross Section B-B, with saidconvex and concave curves becoming tangent at their point of congruencyat the Aft end of Foredeck 1 b. The bottom and side surfaces ofOutrigger Assembly 2 taper in a streamlined fashion toward the ends ofthe Outrigger Arms. FIG. 3 further illustrates that is Gunwales 1. and 1h. are horizontal beginning at their points of intersection with theForedeck 1 b. and Footboard Assembly 5., and taper slightly downwardtoward the Stern 1 n., Finally, FIG. 3 illustrates that the keel line ofthe Hull Bottom 1 f. is substantially flat, with a slight upturning nearthe Bow 1 a.

FIG. 4 is an Elevation View with the point of view located Aft of theinvention. The streamlined wing-shaped Outrigger Assembly 2. is attachedto Hull 1, with Outrigger Arms 2 a. and 2 b. extending laterally toeither side of the Hull 1. providing structural support for Oarlocks 4a. and 4 b., and to create flat and horizontal surfaces providinglateral stability when passing through waves. The lower surfaces ofOutrigger Arms 2 a. and 2 b. are concave with respect to the lateralplane, curving upward and outward to minimize air resistance and toprovide clearance between said Outrigger Arms 2 a. and 2 b. and waterpassing beneath. The upper surfaces of the Outrigger Arms 2 a. and 2 b.roughly parallel to the lower surfaces, tapering in thickness toward thefree end. The intersection of Outrigger Arms 2 a. and 2 b. over the Hull1. and create a surface concave with respect the lateral plane, servingto efficiently channel water flowing over the Foredeck into the seatingarea and out over Rear Deck 1 n. Additionally, FIG. 4 illustrates thelocation of the Footboard and Footstrap Assembly 5., the Stabilizing Fin6. located near the Stern on the longitudinal centerline of theinvention, and the relatively flat surface of the Hull Bottom 1 f. In analternative embodiment, the Hull Bottom 1 f. may be rounded to provideenhancements to speed, while the configuration illustrated hereinmaximizes lateral stability.

FIG. 5 is a Cross Section View cut laterally along Line A-A through theHull 1., crossing the Footwells 1 m. and 1 l., with the point of viewlocated Aft of the invention. FIG. 5 illustrates the flat upper HullDeck 1 e. recessed slightly below and between the Gunwales 1 i. and 1h., to which is attached the Sliding Seat and Track Assembly 3., FIG. 5further illustrates the shape of the Footwells 1 m. and 1 l. whichconform to the shape of the rower's feet and lower legs and minimize thevolume of water retained in those structures during operation.

FIG. 6 is a Cross Section View cut longitudinally along Line B-B alongthe keel line of the invention, with the point of view located at theStarboard Side and Aft of the lateral centerline. FIG. 6 Illustratesfeatures of Hull 1., including the concave curvature of the uppersurface of the Hull Foredeck 1 b., as well as Outrigger Mounting Surface1 c. to which is removably attached Outrigger 2. by means of mountinganchors imbedded in the Hull 1. at Outrigger Mounting Surface 1 c. andOutrigger Mounting Hardware 2 d. Said Outrigger Mounting Surface 1 c. isillustrated as being coplanar with the top surface of Gunwale 1 i. TheHull Deck 1 e. and Rear Deck 1 n. are Illustrated in FIG. 6 as beingsubstantially planar, with said Hull Deck 1 e., Rear Deck 1 n., andGunwale 1 i. mutually tapering toward the Stern 1 o., beginning at theFootboard and Footstrap Assembly 5, and converging to a common point ofintersection at the top point of Stern 1 o.

FIG. 7 is a Cut-Away Section View of the seating area with principalcuts passing longitudinally through Footwell 1 l. and OutriggerAttachment Anchors 1 d., with the point of view located at the StarboardSide and Aft of the Lateral centerline of the invention. In thisillustration, the Footwell 1 l. is shown to be recessed into the surfaceof Hull 1. at Hull Deck 1 e., with its Aft surface inclined toward theStern to facilitate the ejection of water. Sliding Seat 3. rests uponSeat Track 3 b. which is adjustably attached to Hull Deck 1 e., allowingadjustment in the Foreward and Aft directions. Outrigger Assembly 2. isremovably attached to Outrigger Attachment Surface 1 c. by means ofOutrigger Attachment Hardware 2 d., and Outrigger Attachment Anchors 1d. The Gunwale 1 i is illustrated as coplanar with Outrigger AttachmentSurface 1 c., and the Footboard Attachment Channel 1 k. is illustratedas being structurally imbedded in said Gunwale 1 i.

FIG. 8 is a Cut-Away Section View of the Hull 1. and Footboard andFootstrap Assembly 5 with principal cuts passing laterally through thePort Side Footwell 1., and to the Stern of Starboard Side Footwell (notshown). The point of view is at the Starboard side and Forward of thelateral centerline of the invention. FIG. 8 illustrates the Footboardand Footstrap Assembly 5. adjustably attached to Hull 1. at AttachmentChannel 1 l. Said attachment is by means of a Footboard Attachment Lug 5d. which resides in Footboard Attachment Channel 1 l., and is retainedtherein by Footboard Friction Plate 5 f. and Friction Plate TighteningBolt 5 e. The Footboard 5 a. is structurally supported by attachment tothe Footboard Crossbar 5 h., which is attached to Footboard AttachmentLug 5 d. The Footstraps 5 b. and 5 c. are attached to the Footboard 5 a.by means of Footstrap Attachment Hardware 5 g.

FIG. 9 is an Exploded Section View of Outrigger Assembly 2. with theprincipal cut passing longitudinally along the centerline of theinvention. FIG. 9 illustrates the adjustable attachment of the Oarlock 4c. to the free end of Outrigger Assembly 2. by means of aninterchangeable Oarlock Attachment Plate 2 e., residing within OarlockAttachment Plate Receiver 2 g. which is cast into the free end ofOutrigger Arm 2 a. The interchangeable Oarlock Attachment Plate allows arange of attachment points for Oarlock 4 c. by means of varying the holepattern in said Attachment Plate, and is structurally fixed to the freeend of Outrigger Arm 2 a. and within Oarlock Attachment Plate Receiver 2g. by Oarlock Plate Attachment Hardware 2 f.

While the present invention has been described with respect to what ispresently considered to be the preferred embodiments, the presentinvention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather, thepresent invention covers various modifications and equivalentarrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appendedclaims. The scope of the appended claims is to be accorded the broadestinterpretation so as to emcompass all such modifications and equivalentstructures and functions.

Any modifications to the present invention which do not deviate from thescope thereof are considered to be included therein and the invention isonly to be limited by the appended claims.

1. In combination, a rowing shell for recreational and/or competitiveuse on flat or rough water including the following, a sealed andwaterproof hull and attachments wherein the hull and attachments aresleek and streamlined in design, and formed and contoured so as tominimize water and wind resistance, the hull including a slightlyupturned bow, a flat mounting surface on which a winged outriggerassembly is removably attached to provide support for oarlocks and asubstantially flat deck in the vicinity of a rower's seating area thatallows water entering the craft to exit without impeding efficientoperation, and the winged outrigger assembly mounted to the hull at thebow side of the rower's seating position and with the forward portion ofthe outrigger assembly tapered to blend with, and conform substantiallyto, the fore portion contours of the hull and consist of two arcuatelyshaped oar outrigger arms integrally formed with the body of theoutrigger assembly.
 2. The rowing shell of claim 1 additionallyincluding oarlocks attached to the winged outrigger arms by means ofplates that fit into receiver boxes cast into the ends of the outriggerarms and with each outrigger arm solid, planar and gradually taperingtoward its free end.
 3. The rowing shell of claim 1 wherein the recessedportion of the hull deck aft of the outrigger assembly is substantiallyflat and provides for the attachment of a sliding seat and trackassembly whereby the combination allows the passage and exit of waterentering the seating area.
 4. The rowing shell of claim 1 wherein thesurface of said hull deck includes recessed footwells contoured toconform to the shape of the rower's feet to minimize the retention ofwater.
 5. The rowing shell of claim 1 additionally including a footboardassembly removably and adjustably attached to said hull deck and mountedto the gunwales or rear deck of the hull to provide support for therower's feet and is contoured to minimize obstruction to water passingthrough the seating area.
 6. The rowing shell of claim 1 wherein thewinged outrigger assembly is permanently attached and is integrallyformed with the fore portion contours of the hull.
 7. The rowing shellof claim 1 wherein the hull is constructed of a solid foam core materialsuch as, but not limited to, expanded polystyrene, over which is appliedfiber reinforced plastic material such as, but not limited to, carbonfiber reinforced epoxy composite plastic.
 8. The rowing shell of claim 1wherein the hull is constructed as a molded, hollow and sealed shell offiber reinforced plastic material such as, but not limited to, carbonfiber reinforced epoxy composite plastic.
 9. The rowing shell of claim 1wherein the bottom surface of the hull is substantially flat in thelateral and longitudinal dimensions tapering to the vertical surfaces ofthe gunwales using smooth curving transition surfaces.
 10. The rowingshell of claim 1 wherein the bottom surface of the hull is deeply curvedin a manner so as to minimize hydrodynamic drag and maximize hull speed.11. An outrigger assembly for mounting to the hull of a rowing shell atthe bow side of the seating area of the rower and with the outriggerassembly tapered to blend with, and conform substantially to, the foreportion of the hull and including two arcuately shaped oar outriggerarms integrally formed with the body of the outrigger assembly.
 12. Theoutrigger assembly of claim 11 wherein said outrigger assembly isconstructed of a solid foam core material such as, but not limited to,expanded polystyrene, over which is applied fiber reinforced plasticmaterial such as, but not limited to, carbon fiber reinforced epoxycomposite plastic.
 13. The outrigger assembly of claim 11 wherein saidoutrigger assembly is constructed as a molded, hollow or open shell offiber reinforced plastic material such as, but not limited to, carbonfiber reinforced epoxy composite plastic.
 14. The outrigger assembly ofclaim 11 wherein said outrigger assembly is attached to a preexistingrowing shell or boat.